The Patriots used some questionable, if legal, formations in their win over the Ravens in the AFC Divisional playoffs that will no longer be allowed by the NFL. Owners approved the proposal to ban the tactic at their annual meetings on Wednesday, and the Ravens could not be more thrilled.

NFL owners have passed the rule proposal banning the use of ineligible receivers like the Patriots did in the AFC divisional playoffs.

The controversy was over a formation the Patriots used on three plays that had just four offensive linemen and a back split out declaring himself ineligible.

The formation confused the Ravens, who did not have time to figure out which receiver to leave uncovered because the referee would announce the ineligible player, and quarterback Tom Brady would snap the ball seconds later.

On the third time the Patriots used the formation, Shane Vereen was the ineligible receiver lined up in the slot to Brady’s right. Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui was lined up where the left tackle normally would be, so he was a bit hidden to Ravens defenders. Brady hit Hoomanawanui for a 14-yard gain and Harbaugh lost it. He walked onto the field to yell at the referee. Harbaugh was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, but he got the officials’ attention.